Bihar has a long rich history of warfare and soldiers from Bihar have always been at the forefront of battles and conflicts. We all know that Our home state Bihar, is a land of ancient and rich culture, heritage and practices since time immemorial and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited by various dynasties and empires, including the Mauryas, Guptas and the Mughals leaving behind a unique imprint. Our Bihar state is home to a number of historical sites and monuments, including the ancient city of Nalanda, which was a centre of learning in ancient India, and the Mahabodhi Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world. Bihar is also the birthplace of several important religious leaders, including Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, and Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. Bihar’s culture is also its cuisine – be it litti choka, sattu paratha, khaja, Thekua and many more suchlike dishes. Athithi Devo Bhao is our cultural practice which shows that we are very friendly and helpful by nature. Bihar has also rich traditions of folk music, dance, festivals like Chat puja, architecture etc. Achievers from Bihar have excelled not only all over the country but also all over the world in domains of literature, science, technology, medicine, business, arts, handicraft, sports and of course politics too. Bihar has given PM and Presidents to seven countries. Our Bihar achievers truly reflect our Global potential and this can be a great motivation for younger generation provided we highlight these to them from the right age. East India Company raised Bengal Native Infantry in 1757. Bihar's soldiers were soon recognised for their loyalty and courage, and they earned a reputation for being among the best soldiers in the British Indian Army. The 34th Sepoy Bn formed during the tenure of Lord Robert Clive in 1758 was raised entirely from Bhojpur district. However, a century later, when the First War of Independence started in 1857 from Bihar, the Bihar’s soldiers were the first to revolt against the Britishers. So, in retaliation, the Britishers immediately disbanded all the 18 battalions and struck off Bihar from the list of martial races. However, several decades later with the onset of WW, Britishers once again looked for Bihar’s soldiers and they re-raised the Bihar Regiment in 1922. Thereafter, Bihar’s soldiers have fought in various battles, including the Mesopotamian campaign, Palestine campaign, also played a crucial role in the Battle of Gallipoli, where they fought alongside the Australian and New Zealand troops. During World War II, Bihar's soldiers once again played a crucial role in the conflict. The Bihar Regiment, along with other regiments from the Indian Army, fought in various theatres of war, including North Africa, Italy and SE Asia. Bihar's soldiers were known for their bravery and tenacity, and they played a key role in many battles, including the Anglo-Afghan War as also Battle of Imphal and Kohima (when the British had fought with Burmese Army). Bihar's soldiers were known for their loyalty and courage, and they earned a reputation for being among the best soldiers in the British Indian Army. Then comes the period of post-independence. Bihar has traditionally been one of the top contributors to the Indian Armed Forces to include Army, Air Force and Navy. One of the largest Infantry Regiment is Bihar Regiment. Known for their courage and fighting spirit, soldiers from Bihar have played key roles in several major conflicts, including the Indo-Pak wars of 1947, 1965, and 1971 and the Kargil War of 1999. Bihar also contributes significantly to paramilitary forces like the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). These forces play a crucial role in maintaining peace along the borders and combating internal security threats as well. The Bihar Regiment has been a pillar of strength in protecting India's frontiers, particularly in high-altitude, Siachen Glacier, borders of J & K, Ladhak and the North East besides executing counter terrorists and counter insurgency operations over several decades. The Bihar Regimental Crest was adopted from the three headed lions of Ashoka. Then Captain M Habibullah (later he retired in the rank of Maj Gen in Pak Army), he as Officiating Commanding Officer of 1st Bihar Battalion, was instrumental in selection of the regiment crest in 1941. Later, then Governor Bihar Sir Thomas Rutherford, when he visited 1st Bihar Bn at Shillong, he saw the crest and then requested Lt Col M Habibullah, Commanding Officer’s permission to adopt the emblem for the Bihar Govt. It was adopted in 1945. The moto of Bihar Regiment is Karm Hi Dharm’, which means ‘Work is Worship’. Thus, every Bihari is blessed with this DNA – ‘Karm Hi Dharm hai,’ Work is Worship. Bihar is home of a large community of ex-servicemen, who, after retiring from the military, possess valuable skills, discipline and experience that can be effectively utilized for our state’s benefit. Their disciplined military background, combined with hands-on experience in leadership, crisis management, unity in diversity and technical skills, makes them an asset to the State. The key qualities and skills that they possess which can be effectively utilized in multiple domains and sectors for the benefit of any organisation, establishment and the State are like, security and law enforcement(state police), governance, community development, crisis and disaster management, logistics and operational management( supply chain management), health and medical services (medical services and trauma care, hygiene and sanitation standards in adverse conditions) and technical fields(many ex-servicemen are experts in areas like weaponry, technology and engineering). Bihar Govt must connect and utilise this network of ex- servicemen within the State for the overall benefit of State. With their leadership and team work skills Ex-servicemen can be placed in administrative and leadership roles within government bodies, public welfare programs and community development initiatives. They can guide and inspire local communities, particularly in rural areas, to take up initiatives related to education, healthcare, and social welfare. Ex-servicemen have a deep sense of social responsibility and community involvement. But they should be made to feel as a respected identity instead making them feel sidelined and neglected. Their ability to motivate and lead from the front can be a very valuable asset in rural and community development projects. There, they can be engaged in social programs which focuses on improving education, sanitation, healthcare and women’s empowerment. Their sense of leadership can help drive positive social change, especially in rural and underdeveloped areas of Bihar. Ex-servicemen are excellent in promoting values such as unity in diversity, inclusion and collaboration supportive environment that boosts morale. They are trained to contribute to a healthier work culture and a workforce that aligns with the organization’s goals and values. They know how to keep subordinates happy, feel encouraged and dedicated. But, notwithstanding the above, today most of the villages are seen deteriorated as compared to what it used to be in 70s and early 80s as a result of huge migration taking place into other Indian States as well as outside the country looking for both education as well job opportunities. Today Bihar’s HDI is the lowest. Big industries are also not coming in due to various issues. So, to begin with ,one suggestion is that, the Govt should invite low value, high volume industry with massive incentives like tax breaks and sunset clause. For example, Bihar could attract large textile manufacturers (Madhubani silk sarees) by offering significant tax breaks for the first 10 years, provided they employ local labour. Bihar should focus on industries that produce essential goods, such as textiles, footwear, leather goods, home appliances, packaging materials, agriculture and agro-processing, fruits, vegetables etc. These industries require less sophisticated technology and lower capital investment but provide large- scale employment opportunities. Build plug-and-play factories on a mass level on government land. Also consider- -Providing subsidies to industries that invest in skill development which will create a skilled workforce and make Bihar more attractive to investors. -Utilising Bihar's extensive river system Govt must develop Waterway as a means of logistics transport, focusing on Dedicated Freight Corridor expansion. -Get Defence manufacturing hub established – there is no shortage of both skilled and non-skilled manpower apart from land, water and electricity. Utilise Haldia and Vizag Sea ports for export. -Bihar also need to be developed as a National Tourism Hub having huge potential of tourism – Buddhist, Jain, Sikhs and Hindu pilgrimage and number of heritage sites. This will not only attract more domestic but also international tourists as well. -Lastly, Bihar needs to be rebuilt as a National Education Hub which it was well known for till early 80s, but thereafter, somehow, for some reason a rapid decline in education standard took place. But finally, all these will happen only when there is a strong political will, stability, determined clear roadmap and a strong drive against corruption. Also, we all from Bihar have to decide to rise over the prevailing divisive feeling of caste, creed, community, region and religion and identify ourselves as just one entity. What better example can be seen than the prevailing culture in Mauritius.